The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has announced a significant partnership with Imperial College London, aimed at propelling the regeneration of the Old Oak site located in North Acton, West London. This strategic agreement is particularly noteworthy as OPDC is already in the early stages of selecting a developer for this ambitious and transformative project. The collaboration between these two entities is steeped in a history of mutual engagement and aims to accelerate the innovation economy in West London, thereby enhancing regeneration efforts in the area.
Imperial College London holds substantial landholdings in Old Oak, comprising over 17 acres, and is committed to the ongoing regeneration of this area. The agreement focuses on four key areas, highlighting the shared commitment to fostering an innovation-driven economy within West London. The OPDC is tasked with overseeing a once-in-a-generation urban regeneration programme that has the potential to reshape the future landscape of West London. Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased that OPDC is already supporting WestTech London’s mission to unlock the power of innovation in West London and ignite growth not just for London, but nationwide.”
The Development Plans
The development plans at Old Oak are impressive, with a mixed-use scheme already granted planning permission in May 2025 by developer Downing. This scheme is set to replace the existing Holiday Inn Express and will deliver a total of 668 new units across two towers. Covering 2,235 square metres, the car-free development is designed with accessibility in mind, allowing for only designated accessible parking bays. Additionally, it will provide 255 square metres of commercial retail space as well as external amenity areas, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
Enhancing Economic Prosperity
The collaboration between OPDC and Imperial is poised to cultivate an innovation-led and knowledge-economy cluster within Old Oak and the surrounding OPDC Opportunity Area. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance economic prosperity by facilitating upskilling opportunities tailored for industries relevant to the local economy. Furthermore, the partnership aims to establish a Higher Education Institution cluster through collaboration with universities across West London, thus reinforcing the region’s reputation as a centre for educational excellence.
The regeneration area is strategically centred around Old Oak Common station, which will serve as a vital transport hub connecting HS2, the Elizabeth line, the Great Western Main Line, and the Heathrow Express. This location is not just a transport interchange; it is envisioned as a focal point for innovation and opportunity, bringing together established and emerging innovation zones across London. The ambition is for Old Oak to emerge as a nationally significant destination, promoting entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
Future Developments
Dame Karen Buck, Chair of OPDC, articulated the significance of this partnership, stating, “It is a rare opportunity to join together one of the world’s leading universities and a Mayoral Development Corporation charged with delivering a major new piece of the UK’s capital city. Global success is made in local places, and our shared ambition is to create a world-class hub for tech, research, and business, generating thousands of jobs in a thriving, super-connected West London community.” The broader regeneration scheme is anticipated to encompass around 8,000 homes across various tenures, as well as 200,000 square metres of commercial and community space, public realms, and green spaces.
Furthermore, plans include the establishment of a technology and research-focused business district, which is expected to create approximately 11,000 jobs in a new canal-side district within West London. With land now being consolidated under a unified strategy, OPDC is embarking on a two-stage procurement process to identify a private sector partner for the development, with a preferred bidder anticipated to be selected by spring 2027.
The undertaking follows a significant investment of £340 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), which has facilitated the assembly of privately owned sites within Old Oak, paving the way for this transformative initiative.